Analysis

Newcastle United and St James' Park are synonymous but it's more than just a name to the Newcastle fans. The Geordies are deeply proud of their stadium that has stood in the heart of the city since 1892. I don't think the club wish to be disrespectful to the club's history and they are aware it's an emotive issue but believe they have to move with the times. While the name might be different, the ground will never change and will always be St James' Park

The club originally planned to allow sponsors to link their brand to the St James' Park title but that idea, put forward in 2009, is now replaced by the offer to purchase full naming rights.

At the time of the 2009 proposals, Newcastle were struggling after being relegated from the top flight. But the team are now flying high - currently third in the Premier League.

Although it has become common for clubs to hand naming rights to sponsors when they move to new grounds, it is unusual for a traditional stadium to have its name changed.

In a statement, Llambias explained: "Our aim for Newcastle United is to continue to deliver success for the fans and everyone associated with the club. We must make this club financially self-sufficient in order to deliver that success.

"To grow sustainably and allow us to invest in our future, we will need to rely increasingly heavily on commercial income.

"These are very difficult economic times and the board have a responsibility to maximise all revenue streams for the benefit of the club."

That statement came after the Magpies reported operating losses, before player trading, of £37.7m in 2008-09 and £35.5m in 2009-10.

Newcastle's intention to watch their budget carefully has been clear in the departures of Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton, while the club's mission statement made clear they would focus on players who could "develop and realise their potential".

SPONSORED STADIA IN PREMIER LEAGUE & CHAMPIONSHIP

Arsenal: Emirates Stadium

Bolton: Reebok Stadium

Manchester City: Etihad Stadium*

Swansea: Liberty Stadium

Stoke: Britannia Stadium

Wigan: DW Stadium*

Brighton: Amex Stadium

Coventry: Ricoh Arena

Doncaster: Keepmoat Stadium

Hull: Kingston Communications Stadium

Leicester: King Power Stadium*

*sponsor name has changed or been added since stadium opened

Another potential revenue stream is making a shirt sponsorship deal available to any company interested in taking on the naming rights of the stadium.

Llambias added: "Naming the stadium the Sports Direct Arena helps up to showcase the opportunity to interested parties.

"We are now actively seeking a long-term sponsor wishing to acquire full naming rights for the stadium.

"Our shirt sponsorship deal with Northern Rock will also expire at the end of this season, which presents would-be sponsors with the opportunity to acquire both the naming rights and shirt sponsorship deals."

St James' Park is the oldest ground in the north east with football having been played on its turf since 1880. Newcastle East End moved to the ground in 1892 before changing their name to Newcastle United.

After major development, a new-look St James' Park was opened on the site in 1905.

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